I had a request on the last workshop to demonstrate  Logic’s cool drum machine Ultrabeat-
so I have recorded a short video to demonstrate the basic functions.
To see it click here now
The video is relevant to using most software drum machines as they are all designed in a similar style to mimic the old hardware drum machines.

They have a grid representing one or two bars – with the bar split into 16 squares to represent the 16 beats.
beats 1- 2- 3-4 of the bar fall on squares 1-5-9-13.

for a full demo  – check the video (it is only 4 mins long and easy to understand) and then try programming in ultrabeat.

Ableton live or Pro tools 8 have their own drum machines that work in a similar style.

If you don’t have music software no problemo – those try these free alternatives

monkey machine is an on line drum machine with different kits i.e. its on the web try it out !
monkey machine free on line drum machine click here
you can try out building your own beats there – it is easy to download the patterns as midi.
(If you want to save your cool rhythms as audio I suggest you check out free recording software audacity along with soundflower that allows you to capture sounds from the web as well as sources on your mac.
If that sounds like gobbledy gook I will be doing a simple “how to” description of using audacity and soundflower some time soon.)

Idrum can be used as a standalone drum machine but also works as a plug in in most popular software.
idrum  for 10 day free trial click here
Formats: Standalone, RTAS (Pro Tools 7+), Audio Unit, VST
Windows or Mac
I can recommend this drum machine as I used to use it – It doesn’t have the best interface or sounds, but its fun and friendly and cheap.